10 Beautiful Islands in Europe for Your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme Stay
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Looking for a unique destination for your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme stay? It might be easier than you think to find one!
Many students dream of doing their Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme internship in an exotic destination, so they can enjoy the sun and the beaches during their free time. They also think that they need to travel far to find somewhere unique, which can be an obstacle for those who would prefer to stay in Europe for their Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility (because it is usually the first time students go away from home on their own. A few people in the know, understand that dream destinations are just around the corner in Europe – there are lots of fabulous places that are just like paradise! This blog will help you spot the most beautiful islands in Europe to make your next Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme stay as memorable as possible.
Madeira, Portugal
Although the picturesque island in the Atlantic Ocean is closer to Africa than to Europe, it officially belongs to Portugal and is therefore part of the European Union. On the Portuguese "Island of Flowers" visitors experience wild nature and adventurous mountain landscapes. This extraordinary island is not only a paradise in the Atlantic for hikers. On the coasts, magnificent waves crash against rust-red cliffs and offer water sports enthusiasts plenty of possibilities.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily stands for sun, sea, culture, history, architecture, and wonderful cuisine. The locals are warm and welcoming. Climbing Mount Etna is an unforgettable experience, most certainly, a challenge, but definitely worth it once you look down on the special 'lunar landscape'. Why not combine your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme internship with a stay on this exceptional Italian island? Italy offers plenty of beautiful destinations for your next Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme project – see also our blog Popular Destinations in Italy.
Santorini, Greece
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Almost all island groups of the Cyclades promise white beaches and a spectacular underwater world. However, the island of Santorini is characterised by its beautiful white houses with blue roofs which stand out from the rocky landscape. No wonder many visitors travel around the globe to enjoy Santorini’s panorama, but beauty comes at a price. The accommodation is among the most expensive in Greece. However, with your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme funding you have the unique chance of being able to afford to live and work in Santorini for a period of time. Read our blog “12 Interesting Facts About Greece”.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Europe doesn’t have just tropical islands, there are those that impress with their cliffs and rugged landscapes. The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Scottish Hebrides and is arguably one of the most beautiful landscapes in the northern hemisphere. Known as the "Isle of Fog," the island is often covered in a mystical fog until the weather suddenly changes to rain or sunshine. At the same time there’s plenty of history with old tower structures, and sacred pillars (called cairns).
Moskenesøy, Norwegen
Moskenesøy is the westernmost island of the Lofoten in Norway with a population of just 1,200. Fishing is one of the islanders' main sources of income, and the fishermen live in small, red cottages found on the island's shore. Massive cliffs offer spectacular views of the two fjords. The north of the island has a flat landscape that provides space for a beautiful sandy beach.
Rügen, Deutschland
Germany also has a beautiful island called Rügen - the white cliffs, the long sandy beaches, bays and lagoons offer you relaxation after your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme workday. The island also has only about 77,000 locals, so if you are not interested in doing your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme internship in a crowded area, this a great place to be. For more exciting German destinations see this blog, The Most Popular Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme Destinations in Germany.
Hvar, Croatia
The fourth largest Adriatic Island is in Croatia. You can reach this island either by ferry from Split or by sailboat and the harbour entrance to the town of Hvar is spectacular! Behind the small archipelago of the so-called Hell's Islands, the view opens up to the ancient houses that are squeezed in between the coast and the fortress. The outback shines with lavender plants, olive trees and vineyards. In the south of the island of Hvar there are pebble beaches that are typical of Croatia and are surrounded by pine forests. Sandy beaches can be found in the North of the country.
Isles of Scilly, England
Off the coast of Cornwall, about 45 kilometres southwest of Land's End, lay the Isles of Scilly, which belong to England. A total of 140 small islands are spread across the Atlantic Ocean. Just five of them are populated. The Gulf Stream gives the islands a Caribbean flair: white beaches and palm trees are surprisingly abundant. Tresco Island is also home to one of the most diverse gardens in the northern hemisphere. Getting there is an experience in itself. Either you take the ferry from Penzance to St. Mary's, the main island, or a very small plane from Newquay and enjoy the view of the Caribbean-like archipelago from above.
Ibiza, Spain
This Mediterranean Island is considered one of the most famous party places in the world, although it also has much more to offer due to its history. It was first home to the Phoenicians and then by the Romans, who built many stunning palaces and buildings in Ibiza. The port in Ibiza Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read also our Top 4 Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme Destinations in Spain.
Corsica, France
Corsica was conquered by both Italy and France for centuries, until it finally became part of France. The culture is therefore very diverse, and the area has its own language, Corsican. As one of the largest Mediterranean islands, Corsica offers not only a magnificent coastline, but also many castles and churches. The most famous site is the Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio, the ancestral home of famous Napoleon Bonaparte.
As mentioned before these are only a few Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme destinations, there are of course many more. Make your wish come true and why not take up the opportunity of an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme funding to help take you to your dream destination?
On our blog you can find many articles about all kinds of destinations, so go ahead and find the perfect destination for your next Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility:
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